After the night of ‘open hole’ science, it was time to move the ‘big rig’ into place – our AIDD (Antarctic Intermediate Depth Drill). This custom-designed drill rig is a heavy piece of equipment weighing around 2 tonnes, with the power packs, cooler, control panel and hoses adding another two tonnes. It has capacity for both piston and rotary coring, and a mast that extends up to 8.2 m through a flap in the drill tent.
Tracks had already been installed in the floor of the tent to help with the move of the rig. Once the rig was in place, AIDD Offsider Ryan Steadman went up the scaffold to install the pegs in the mast, as it was gradually extended through the top of the tent.
The mast can now be spotted across the camp – it’s an exciting sight to see, as it reminds us that we’re getting closer to our geological drilling!